The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) licenses and regulates yacht brokers and salespersons in California. Those selling used vessels 16 feet in length and longer and less than 300 gross tons are required to be licensed. DBW enforces the Harbors & Navigation Code to regulate the activities of licensees to ensure compliance and provide consumer protection.
Licensed brokers are required to provide a $15,000 surety bond to the DBW.
If you are not a licensed California Broker/Salesperson, you CANNOT legally sell or advertise used boats physically located in the State of California.
Pacific Surety is proud to offer low rates and quick turnaround time for quoting. Feel free to complete our simple application to obtain an approval.
Below is a list of minimum qualifications that must be met before applying as a Broker within the State of California. You must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have an established place of business located in California (post office box, mail drop or telephone answering service is not a “Place of Business”)
- Be employed as a licensed California Yacht Broker or Salesperson for at least one year within the past five years
OR
- Have owned and operated a marine business in California selling new or used yachts for a minimum of three continuous years immediately preceding application for a Broker’s license. (“Yacht” refers to vessels over 16 feet in length and under 300 gross tons.)
OR
- Have been employed, as the primary occupation, as a Yacht Broker or Yacht Salesperson in another state for a minimum of three continuous years immediately preceding application for a California Broker license. (“Broker” refers to a person who, under a consignment agreement, negotiates the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of [used] yachts and who does not own the vessel.)